Axilla

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"Underarm" and "Underarms" redirect here. For other uses, see Underarm (disambiguation).
Axilla
Axilla
Details
Arteryaxillary artery
Veinaxillary vein
Nerveaxillary nerve, medial cord, posterior cord, lateral cord
Lymphaxillary lymph nodes
Identifiers
Latinaxilla
MeSHD001365
TA98A01.1.00.021
TA2140
FMA24864
Anatomical terminology

The axilla (pl.: axillae or axillas; also known as the armpit, underarm or oxter) is the area on the

teres major and latissimus dorsi muscle
.

The soft skin covering the lateral axilla contains many

pubic area for emitting body odor, which may be related to human bipedalism.[3]

Structure

Boundaries

Anatomically, the boundaries of the axilla are:

superiorly: by the outer border of
first rib, superior border of scapula, and posterior border of clavicle[4]
medially: serratus anterior[5] and by the ribcage anteriorly: by the
minor,[6] and subclavius[5]

posteriorly: by the

latissimus dorsi below[5]

 laterally: by the
biceps brachii)[7]
floor/base: by the skin[4] (visible surface of axilla)

The lower posterior boundary is called the posterior axillary fold and this is a compound structure consisting of the

teres major muscles.[8] It can descend after weight loss.[9]

The anterior boundary is called the anterior axillary fold and this is rounded in shape and formed by the lower border of the pectoralis major. Some sources also include the pectoralis minor.[8] It can elongate after weight loss.[9]

The contents of the axilla include the axillary vein and artery, as well as the

lymph nodes
and fat. The axilla is the space between the side of the thorax and the upper arm.

Contents

Anatomy of the axilla
  • Superficial muscles of the chest and front of the arm.
    Superficial muscles of the chest and front of the arm.
  • Axillary artery and its branches - anterior view of right upper limb and thorax.
    Axillary artery and its branches - anterior view of right upper limb and thorax.
  • The veins of the right axilla, viewed from in front.
    The veins of the right axilla, viewed from in front.
  • The right brachial plexus (infraclavicular portion) in the axillary fossa; viewed from below and in front.
    The right brachial plexus (infraclavicular portion) in the axillary fossa; viewed from below and in front.
  • The left side of the thorax.
    The left side of the thorax.
  • Axilla
    Axilla
  • Axilla
    Axilla
  • Axilla
    Axilla
  • Axilla
    Axilla
  • Axilla
    Axilla
  • Axilla
    Axilla
  • Axilla
    Axilla

Society and culture

The term "underarm" typically refers to the outer surface of the axilla. However, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in casual contexts. Colloquially, underarm refers to the hollow beneath the junction of the arm and shoulder.[10]

Tickling

Main article: Tickling

The underarm is a ticklish area due to the number of nerves it contains. Most people find this area to be particularly unpleasant when tickled.

Underarm hair

Main article: Underarm hair

Underarm hair usually grows in the underarms of both females and males, beginning in adolescence.

In some modern

Western cultures, it is common for women to remove underarm hair. Some view this practice as an aesthetic matter, while others view its removal for health-related concerns.[11]
As underarm hair grows quickly, removal must be performed frequently, or stubble will appear in the axilla.

In the

sports such as swimming
.

  • Shaved underarm
    Shaved underarm
  • Natural underarm
    Natural underarm

Clinical significance

Like other flexion surfaces of large joints (groin, popliteal fossa, cubital fossa and essentially the anterior part of the neck), it is an area where blood vessels and nerves pass relatively superficially, and with an increased amount of lymph nodes.

Lymphogenic spread of breast cancer

Breast cancer typically spreads via lymphatic vessels to the lymph nodes found in the axilla.

Axillary intertrigo

Excessive

pustules, or chronic itching or burning in the underarm.[13] Intertrigo (in any site) has no racial or sexual predilection.[13] Axillary intertrigo is common among those who work in hot environments where air circulation is restricted by necessary clothing or safety equipment.[14]

See also

Notes

  1. ISBN 978-0-8160-6403-8
    .
  2. S2CID 2973690
    .
  3. ^ The Oxford Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology, Edited by Robin Dunbar and Louise Barret, Oxford University Press, 2007, Chapter 22 Body odours and body odour preferences in humans by Claus Wedekind
  4. ^ a b "Anaesthesia UK :AnaesthesiaUK: Applied anatomy for upper limb blocks". Archived from the original on 2008-10-16. Retrieved 2007-12-23.
  5. ^ a b c "LAB #4 PECTORAL REGION & Introduction to the Axilla". Retrieved 2007-12-23.
  6. ^ "Dissector Answers - Axilla and Arm". Archived from the original on 2007-12-10. Retrieved 2007-12-23.
  7. ISBN 978-80-7262-931-2
    .
  8. ^ a b lesson3axilla at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University)
  9. ^
    PMID 17602378
    .
  10. ^ "Definition of armpit - Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary". Archived from the original on 15 December 2007. Retrieved 2007-12-23.
  11. PMID 26663394
    .
  12. ^ "The new feminist armpit hair revolution: half-statement, half-ornament". Guardian News & Media. 24 June 2019. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
  13. ^ a b c Selden, Samuel Intertrigo. emedicine, WebMD. March 9, 2007. Accessed May 21, 2009.
  14. ^ Gardner, Stephanie S (14 June 2020). "Intertrigo". WebMD. WebMD. Retrieved June 22, 2021.

External links

Look up axilla in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
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